In an extraordinary evening at Graceland, Elvis Presley attempted to teach his then-girlfriend, Priscilla, how to shoot a gun, leading to a chaotic scene that would become a legendary story among those close to the King of Rock and Roll. What began as a simple lesson transformed into a moment of frenzy, leaving onlookers scrambling for safety.
Graceland, the iconic estate nestled in Memphis, Tennessee, was more than just Elvis’s home; it was a private sanctuary where he could indulge his passions, including a fascination with firearms. On this particular night, surrounded by friends and staff, Elvis decided it was time for Priscilla to learn how to handle a gun. Despite her reservations, Elvis insisted, handing her a long-barreled .45, a choice that quickly proved overwhelming for the inexperienced shooter.
As Priscilla struggled to control the weight of the firearm, she accidentally fired off her first shot, missing the target significantly. The situation escalated when panic seized her, and she began firing in rapid succession, causing chaos among the crowd. Friends dove for cover, and the once-casual gathering erupted into a scene of confusion and alarm. Nancy Rooks, Graceland’s maid, later recounted the moment as a stampede, highlighting the utter mayhem that ensued.
Elvis, ever the calm presence, swiftly intervened, taking the gun from Priscilla’s hands and reassuring her. With the immediate danger passed, laughter broke out among the crowd, turning the harrowing experience into a shared memory of absurdity. Despite the initial chaos, the incident became a humorous anecdote within the walls of Graceland, leaving marks of Priscilla’s mishaps still visible today.
While Priscilla eventually became more comfortable with firearms, her relationship with Elvis’s obsession with guns grew increasingly complicated. As his fascination morphed into a troubling obsession marked by paranoia, she found herself deeply concerned for his well-being. This night at Graceland remains a vivid example of the unpredictability of Elvis and Priscilla’s life together, capturing the exhilarating highs and heart-wrenching lows of their shared journey.
